Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitatedthe flag off of the first consignment of GI Tagged “Vazhakulam Pineapple” from Vazhakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala to Dubai& Sharjah, UAE virtually on 7th January 2022.

Dr. M Angamuthu IAS, Chairman, APEDA flagged off the first consignment of GI Vazhakulam Pineapple to Dubai &Sharjah. Ms. Aarathi LR IES, MD, SHM & Special officer, WTO cell, Govt of Kerala,Dr. Maya, Principal scientist, Pineapple Research station, Vazhakulam, KAU, Representatives from Fair Exports India Pvt Limited, Kerala; Fair Tradelinks, Kerala and Kaushal Foodstuff Trading LLC, Dubai, GIPineapple farmers along with other officials of APEDA took part in the flag off ceremony.

GI tagged Pineapple is exported from Vazhakulam by Fair Tradelinks&Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd to Dubai & Sharjah respectively.Fair Tradelinks is a newly registered exporter of APEDAwho intimated APEDA for facilitation of export of GI products from India to the middle-eastern countries and beyond.Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd. belonging to the Lulu Group Internationalis a leading exporter registered under APEDA. Kaushal Foodstuff Trading LLC is an importing firm established by Indians in Dubai. It imports Indian fruits, vegetables, processed product like Maida, Jaggery, spices, and sugar etc.

Geographical Indication tagging of the agricultural products has increased its prestige & trust worthiness among consumers in international market.  GI tag as a marketing tool helps to fetch premium price in exports. APEDA has taken initiative to promote GI tagged products from India which will ultimately lead to the rise in exports.

Pineapple is a commercial fruit crop of India which is primarily used as fresh fruit, juice concentrate& in canning.It is rich in calcium, potassium, minerals &Vitamins and is low in fat & cholesterol. Bromelain in pineapples have significant medicinal & culinary benefits. India exported fresh & dried pineapple worth 2.68 million US $ during 2020-21 in which around 44% share is from Kerala. The major export destinations are UAE, Qatar, Maldives, Nepal, France etc. Pineapple produced in the Vazhakulam area of Kerala received GI tag in 2009 due to its delicious taste,unique aroma and flavour. Vazhakulam area is ideally suited for the production of pineapple for table purpose.The Flesh is golden yellow and crisp & is a good source of carotene, vitamins minerals and energy.GI Vazhakulam Pineapple of 2.5 metric tonnes having a shelf life of 14-20 days is exported to both Dubai & Sharjah together. The average weight of fruit is approximately 1300 -1600 grams.This initiative taken by APEDA will promote GI farmers of Vazhakulam. They may get better income and more promotion of their product in global market

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